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Living the TCAC Life

Its back to back nights in the TCAC this week. In the words of Vince Lombardi, What The Hell Is Going On Around Here?! Thank caucuses and a snowstorm forcing rescheduling for all of this. Snickers on the menu at Prairie Seeds Academy, definitely satisfying. Similar small gyms but you can't go wrong with those.

Tuesday: Learning for Leadership at Groves Academy
Who, what, where? Learning for Leadership is in NE Minneapolis. Groves Academy is in St. Louis Park right between Benilde-St. Margaret's and St. Louis Park high. These are mid-level teams in the 2nd division of the TCAC. But a pair of high scorers in Kafi Abdi and Malik Bodden going at it. Groves looked to be in control of this one. They scored the last 6 of the 1st half to take a 7 point play to the break. But the 2nd half was the Kafi Abdi show for Learning for Leadership. He scores 29 of his 31 points in the 2nd stanza. That included 6 3s. But Groves still had an 11 point lead inside 4 minutes to play. It wouldn't last. Junior Abdirizak Ahmed brings the Mustangs back in the last 3:30. He makes a floater, banks in a 3, makes 2 free throws and goes lefty to pull L4L within a point with 25 seconds left. Groves totally falling apart a turnover, a technical and a bad mis. Bill Cowher hands out the T after warning the players about complaining. From that stand point I get it, but in a tight game on a dicey call with minimal words, its hard to swallow. Groves would have the ball up 1 but miss with 15 seconds left to give Groves 1 last chance. Its Kafi Abdi down the lane for the game winner with 2.2 left. Learning for Leadership wins 69-68. Kafi Abdi 31 points and 14 rebounds. Abdirizak Ahmed adds 20 for the Mustangs. Ahmed Nur with 13 before leaving due to injury. Max Bilcik with 22 points and 13 rebounds to lead Groves. Malik Bodden with 21, Larry Mohamed with 14 for the Griffins.

Wednesday: Charter Stars at Prairie Seeds Academy
Any trip to Prairie Seeds always begs the obvious questions. what is a Lycan anyway and is it prone to mange? Charter Stars win the award for my worst prediction of the year. I picked them last and here they are tied for 1st and in control of their own destiny in the top TCAC division. Charter Stars with a ton of 1st half turnovers and Prairie Seeds would open up a 21 point halftime lead. An 8 point game at the 8 minute mark blown open with 12 points from Peter Anderson. Charter Stars closes it to 11. But as we go under 10 minutes left, the Lycans score 6 in a row to kill the momentum. 71-54 Prairie Seeds in control or so I thought with 9:48 left. I decide enough is enough and its a huge mistake. Charter Stars center Taye Carter goes absolutely nuts the rest of the way and ends up with 40 points. He had somewhere between 16 and 22 points when I leave. Charter Stars come back with a huge rally and win 99-96. Charter Stars have won 12 of 14 and are tied with Cristo Rey (Pumas have the head to head win) for the conference lead. Prairie Seeds falls 1 game back and still have to visit the east side of St. Paul.